Conscience can be defined as a God-designed and God-given faculty that helps us assess what is good and bad, right and wrong. What role, then, does the conscience play in Christians’ lives? How can it help Christians grow in personal holiness, wise decision-making, and spiritual maturity?
The Austin Stone Institute asked nine writers to compose a liturgy in response to the questions, as applied to a particular area of life. Today’s writer addressed cultivating one’s conscience in relation to flourishing.
Lord, help our consciences stay sensitive to Your whispers in our heart.
Let us respond to You consistently, with wisdom,
Trees rooted near Your streams.
Plant us in lush gardens and nourish our souls.
Help us not to tire, but to lean into choices with clean hearts.
Don’t let us ignore or grow callous
To the pain when we pull away from You.
Help us yield and confess
When we sacrifice service to others to serve ourselves.
Prune us so we bear Your fruit,
Ready to multiply what You’ve given:
Our consciences pure and our faith sincere
So others can enjoy Your harvest and taste Your goodness.
Thank You, Lord, for this gift of conscience that draws us close to You.
Amen.
